house, Covent Garden. On 1903 Mr. Grau severed his connection with the Metropolitan opera house, much to the regret of those to whose musical taste he had so successfully catered. VICTOR HERBERT. The secret of success, as far as those who cater to public amusement is concerned, is the placing of one’s fingers upon the pulse of the public and shape one’s methods and manners in accordance with the knowledge so obtained. Victor Herbert, the composer, has so shaped his career, and, while his work is more or less identified with the lighter forms of comic opera, he nevertheless has exhibited unmistakable musical genius. Mr. Herbert was born in Dublin, Ireland, February 1, 1859, and is the grandson of Samuel Lever, the author of Handy Andy, and other Irish novels. He began to study music in Germany when but seven years of age, and took lessons from a number of masters. While yet a boy, he was appointed the principal ‘celloist of the court orchestra in Stuttgart. After more study and a prolonged tour in Europe, he came to this country as ‘cello soloist of the Metropolitan opera house orchestra in New York. During his career of almost uninterrupted professional successes, he has been connected with the Thomas, Seidl and other orchestras in the capacities of ‘celloist and director. He has also been bandmaster of the Twenty-second Regiment of the national guard of the state of New York, and, in 1898, was made conductor of the Pittsburg (Pennsylvania) orchestra. Among the many comic operas which he has written are The Wizard of the Nile, The Viceroy and The Idol’s Eye. He is also the author of a number of orchestral compositions. In 1886 he married Theresa Foerester, a prima donna. LEONORA JACKSON. Of the many American girls who have made riches and reputations as violinists, none is better known to the musical world of this country and abroad than Leonora Jackson. Still a girl as far as years go, she has acquired a reputation as a virtuoso that usually comes to one in the sere and yellow times of life. She was born in Boston, February 20, 1879. After an education received in Chicago public schools, during which time she studied her favorite instrument, she went abroad and became a pupil in the Royal school of music, Berlin. While still a child, she made her début in Europe and scored an instantaneous success. She has appeared in concerts with Paderewski, Patti and other famous singers and musicians and has added to her reputation by scores of performances before musical societies in America and on the continent. Audiences of the Boston symphony orchestra concerts know her well. During the season of 1900 and 1901 she gave one hundred and sixty concerts in the United States, securing for herself in this connection a national reputation. Queen Victoria decorated her as a recognition of her talents. Miss Jackson has also appeared before the German empress and many other notables of Europe. FRANZ KNEISEL.